Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod

S01 E26 - Vasiti Soko and Business Continuity Planning - June 13 2026

Summary In this episode, Glen and Dave explore disaster management and business continuity planning through a talanoa with Vasiti Soko who was the first female director of Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office. Vasiti led the organisation through COVID 19 as well as through a number of natural emergencies. The talanoa comes off the back of Dave working with Vasiti on facilitation of a webinar discussing the fuel crisis with Fiji’s Business Disaster and Resilience Council and examines important topics like business continuity planning. Keywords Pacific region, disaster management, economic frameworks, fuel crisis, Pacific investment, Fiji, Samoa, regional development Key  topics Pacific Value for Investment Model (P-VIM) Government budgets and regional economic policies Vasiti Soko’s career journey from Fiji to UC Berkeley Leadership and trust-building in disaster management The role of NDMO in Fiji and regional influence Business continuity planning and crisis preparedness The importance of relationship building before crises Empowering local experts and Pacific communities Disaster management framework: assess, prepare, respond, recover System level thinking and regional cooperation Guest Name Visiti Soko Sound bites "Vasiti Soko's role in disaster management" "New framework evaluates community benefits" "Pacific budgets reflect regional priorities” "You can't change the person but you can change the relationship" "Assess the situation, prepare, respond, recover" "When dealing with the Pacific, do things wholeheartedly from the heart" Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 05:04 Economic Announcements and Regional Developments 05:29 Transitioning to the Talanoa with Vasiti Soko 06:29 Introduction to Vasiti Soko  09:33 Vasiti's Journey to Leadership in Disaster Management 13:23 Lessons from Leading the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) 17:50 The Role of NDMO in Crisis Management and Coordination 20:32 The Role of NDMO in Crisis Management 21:54 Business Continuity Planning: A Necessity 23:18 Building Relationships for Effective Disaster Response 25:12 Leveraging Local Resources in Crisis Situations 27:35 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Community Impact 30:36 Conclusion and Reflections on the Discussion 36:30 The NZ Fiji Business Council Heads to Fiji 38:34 PM Rabuka plays Waltzing Matilda 42:30 Read out Resources VPAC Consultancy - https://pacific-vigil.com [https://pacific-vigil.com] BCP Template - https://pacific-vigil.com/pacific-ready [https://pacific-vigil.com/pacific-ready] Pacific AI Recruit - https://pacific-ai-talent.replit.app/talent/ [https://pacific-ai-talent.replit.app/talent/] Fiji Hub - https://fiji-travel-hub.replit.app/ [https://fiji-travel-hub.replit.app/]

S01 E25 - Talanoa with Craig Smith of Counterpoint Group - June 6 2026

Content  type Interview Summary Dave is safely back in Rarotonga but while he was in Fiji he had a Talanoa with Craig Smith from Fiji's Counterpoint Group. Craig shares insights on digital innovation in Fiji's tourism sector, regional tech development, and the future of AI and digital tools in the Pacific. Discover how local businesses are transforming and the opportunities for growth and collaboration across the region. Glen and Dave also discuss recent developments in the Pacific, including digital connectivity, business innovations, trade relations, and regional events, highlighting opportunities and challenges in the region. Keywords Fiji, tourism, digital innovation, AI, Pacific, technology, small business, regional development, digital transformation, tourism technology Key  topics Digital transformation in Fiji's tourism sector Integration of AI and data analytics in Pacific businesses Regional collaboration and tech development in the Pacific Fiji-New Zealand trade relations and exports Renewable energy initiatives in Fiji Regional business leadership and community impact Takeaways Digital tools are empowering small tourism operators in Fiji to compete globally. AI and data integration are key to unlocking new business opportunities in the Pacific. Regional collaboration and knowledge sharing are vital for Pacific's digital growth. Guest  name Craig Smith Titles How Fiji's Tech Sector is Revolutionizing Tourism The Future of AI and Digital Tools in the Pacific Sound bites "Low broadband penetration was a common challenge." "Training on AI tools is key to future growth." "Human connection remains vital in Pacific tourism." Chapters 00:00 Two Palagi Introduction 03:56 Introduction to Counterpoint Group and Fiji's Digital Landscape 05:58 Craig Smith's Journey and Background 08:25 Fiji's IT Scene and Opportunities 13:33 Counterpoint Group's Services and Community Engagement 17:59 Nabuki and Bokoon: Innovations in Tourism Technology 22:08 The Role of AI in Fiji's Business Landscape 26:25 Final Thoughts and Future Opportunities 28:12 The week ahead Resources Counterpoint Group Website - https://counterpoint.digital/ [https://counterpoint.digital/]

S01 E24 - Pacific Infrastructure Conference, Nadi - May 30 2026

Summary With Dave freshly back from attending the Pacific Business Opportunities Seminar (PBOS) in Nadi, Glen and Dave discuss the key themes from PBOS, focusing on localization, community development, and regional collaboration. While he was at the conference Dave had a couple of Talanoa and highlights how infrastructure procurement is changing with local empowerment. This episode features Talanoa with Titi Tutuvanu-Schwalger who is the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles Advisor to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary and with Jay Bartlett CEO of Hatanga Construction.   Keywords Pacific infrastructure, localization, community development, regional collaboration, Pacific Islands, infrastructure projects, local businesses, community impact   Key  topics Localization in infrastructure projects Regional collaboration and partnership Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles   Sound bites "Increasing localization in the region" "Contributing to community outcomes" "Great to see this initiative growing"   Chapters 00:00 Podcast Introduction 03:40 Introduction to the Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar 06:56 Introduction to Titi 08:23 Understanding the Role of Titi in Pacific Infrastructure 10:25 Exploring the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles 12:50 Local Content and Its Importance in Infrastructure Projects 14:15 Building Relationships for Effective Localization 15:50 Challenges and Opportunities in the Pacific Infrastructure Sector 21:45 Jay Bartlett from Hatanga Construction 35:35 Conclusion and the week ahead   Resources Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2026 - https://example.com/pacific-infrastructure-2023 [https://example.com/pacific-infrastructure-2023] Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles - Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles.pdf [https://forumsec.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/Pacific%20Quality%20Infrastructure%20Principles.pdf] Hatanga Construction - Hatanga - Solomon Islands Construction & Infrastructure [https://www.hatanga.com/] By Group – https://www.bygroup.com.au [https://www.bygroup.com.au]

S01 E23- New brand launch and Talanoa with Greenhouse Studio - May 23 2026

Summary In this engaging interview, the team from Greenhouse Studio in Suva, Fiji, share their journey, creative process, and insights into the Pacific's vibrant creative economy. Discover how they craft meaningful work that inspires change and celebrates Pacific culture. They have also designed a new look for Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod which Dave and Glen are pleased to launch! Keywords Greenhouse Studio, Pacific Creative Economy, Fiji, Design, Branding, Cultural Identity, Pacific Art, Creative Industry, Pacific Stories, Visual Identity Key Topics * Greenhouse Studio's origin and growth over 12 years * The studio's focus on meaningful, community-driven work * Design process and cultural considerations in branding * The studio's services: from branding to multimedia production * The future of the Pacific creative economy and opportunities for growth * Pacific Cultural Design Principles Guest  Names Maria Rona Luna Pastorizo Sekiguchi Elenoa Sokovata Tomasi Kororua Sound Bites "We wanted our work to be meaningful" "The logo reflects Pacific culture subtly" "We are the ones to make things happen" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod 09:25 Introduction to the Greenhouse Studio 13:40 The Journey of Greenhouse Studio 17:52 Creative Process and Collaboration 22:16 Designing the Visual Identity for Tupalangi 26:30 Future of the Creative Economy in Fiji 30:58 The Week Ahead at PBOS Resources Greenhouse Studio Website - https://greenhouse.studio/ [https://greenhouse.studio/].    Creative Economy Insights - https://creativenz.govt.nz/about-creative-nz/corporate-documents/pacific-arts-strategy-2023-2028 [https://creativenz.govt.nz/about-creative-nz/corporate-documents/pacific-arts-strategy-2023-2028] Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod - two.palagi@gmail.com [two.palagi@gmail.com]

S01 E22 - ADB and Pacific Infrastructure Procurement - Talanoa with Jenny Chu - May 16 2026

Summary This episode features Glen and Dave discussing infrastructure development in the Pacific, focusing on recent initiatives, challenges, and upcoming conferences with Jenny Chu from the Asian Development Bank. They explore the evolving procurement culture in the region, procurement policies, and opportunities. Discover how ADB supports local businesses, enhances procurement processes, and fosters regional collaboration to improve community outcomes. Keywords Pacific infrastructure, procurement, Asian Development Bank, Jenny, Nandi Conference, development challenges, regional collaboration Guest  name Jenny Chu (Asian Development Bank) Titles How the ADB is Shaping Pacific Development in 2024 ADB's role in Pacific infrastructure Procurement policy and innovation Regional collaboration and capacity building Sound bites "Jenny's implacable and well considered." "Jenny is very open and a great first contact." "Evolving procurement policies in the region." Chapters 00:00 Podcast Introduction 10:02 Jenny's Role and Background in ADB 12:44 Understanding Procurement Policy 15:16 Insights from the Roadshow in Australia and New Zealand 18:07 Engagement with the Business Community 20:50 Advice for Businesses in the Infrastructure Sector 23:18 Upcoming Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunity Seminars 27:27 Podcast outro Resources Asian Development Bank (ADB) - https://www.adb.org [https://www.adb.org] Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar (PBOS) - https://https://www.adb.org/news/events/pacific-infrastructure-business-opportunities-seminar-2026 [https://https://www.adb.org/news/events/pacific-infrastructure-business-opportunities-seminar-2026] Two Palagi email - two.palagi@gmail.com [two.palagi@gmail.com]